Would You Want to Know if You Reeked?

We would—but apparently not everyone feels that way. During a heated conversation at the office this week, we learned that being honest with a friend about her body odor issues can mean the end of the relationship. One of our assistants, totally well-intentioned, told us about how she once called up a close friend and delicately suggested that she switch deodorants. (She started by discussing how she's found that she needs to change what she uses every so often... She definitely handled a tough topic the right way.) But the friend freaked out—and got defensive, said she was insulted, and then didn't speak to her again for three months. (And counting... Still no word.)

Considering that the average person has 2.6 million sweat glands, and that even the cleanest woman in the world can have a perspiration problem, we not only wouldn't be offended if our friends tipped us off—we'd be appreciative. In fact, in terms of beauty etiquette, we actually think nicely letting a friend know that she stinks is just as good a deed as letting her know that she has spinach in her teeth or that a dress is less than flattering. Thoughts?